Louis Bourdaloue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis Bourdaloue
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Louis Bourdaloue
20 August 1632 |
| Died | 13 May 1704 (aged 71) |
Louis Bourdaloue (born August 20, 1632 – died May 13, 1704) was a famous French Jesuit (a member of a Catholic religious order) and a very skilled preacher. He was known for his powerful speeches and sermons.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Louis Bourdaloue was born in a town called Bourges in France. When he was 16 years old, he joined the Society of Jesus, which is also known as the Jesuits. This group is a religious order within the Catholic Church.
After joining, he became a professor at different Jesuit colleges. He taught subjects like rhetoric (the art of speaking or writing effectively), philosophy (the study of knowledge and existence), and moral theology (the study of religious beliefs about right and wrong).
A Gifted Preacher
Bourdaloue became well-known for his preaching in different parts of France. Because of his success, his leaders called him to Paris in 1669. There, he preached for a year at the church of St. Louis.
People quickly recognized his amazing speaking skills, also known as his eloquence. He became as famous as other leading figures of his time, like the playwrights Corneille and Racine. This was during the reign of King Louis XIV, a very powerful French king.
Preaching at Court
Bourdaloue was invited to preach at the royal court in Versailles. This was a great honor. He gave sermons during special religious seasons, like Advent (the time before Christmas) and Lent (the time before Easter).
He preached at Versailles many times, which was unusual. Usually, the same preacher was not invited more than three times. But Bourdaloue was called back for Advent sermons in 1670, 1684, 1689, and 1693. He also gave Lenten sermons in 1672, 1674, 1675, 1680, and 1682.
Later Life and Impact
After the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (a historical event that changed religious freedom in France), Bourdaloue was sent to a region called Languedoc. His job was to help new converts to the Catholic faith. He was very successful in this important and sensitive mission. Both Catholics and Protestants praised his powerful and inspiring sermons.
Towards the end of his life, Bourdaloue focused on helping people in need. He worked in charitable institutions, hospitals, and prisons. He passed away in Paris on May 13, 1704.
People admired Bourdaloue because he could connect with all kinds of audiences. His influence came not just from his strong arguments but also from his good character and manners. The famous writer Voltaire even said that Bourdaloue's sermons were better than those of Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, another well-known preacher. Bourdaloue's sermons were simple, clear, and spoke directly to people, making them very effective. Many of his sermons have even been used as textbooks in schools.
His sermons were later collected and edited by François de Paule Bretonneau. Some of his sermons were translated into English in 1884 by George Francis Crowther.
See also
In Spanish: Louis Bourdaloue para niños
